Queens Park Rangers vs Crystal Palace

QPR v Crystal Palace preview

Icelandic striker could miss London derby

Heidar Helguson remains a doubt for QPR as they host Crystal Palace for a London derby at Loftus Road.

The striker missed Iceland's midweek defeat to Scotland with a hamstring injury and faces a race against time to be fit for the visit of the Eagles.

Defender Damion Stewart has shaken off the knock which has sidelined him for the last two matches and fellow centre-half Fitz Hall is fit after a back injury kept him out of the win over Bristol City a fortnight ago.

Midfielder Liam Miller will push for a starting role after missing out on the XI last time out.

Striker Rowan Vine has been an unused substitute twice after 11 months recovering from a broken leg and will hope to get some game time.

Davis boost

Claude Davis should return to the Crystal Palace squad for the trip across the capital on Saturday afternoon.

The on-loan Derby defender has missed the last three matches with a hamstring injury but is expected to be available.

The Eagles have also been boosted by positive injury news on Paddy McCarthy and Sean Scannell - although neither will feature at the weekend.

Centre-half McCarthy has been given the all-clear to start playing again after four months recovering from shoulder surgery, with boss Neil Warnock planning to draft him in against Cardiff next Saturday.

And winger Scannell has been told he does not require a hernia operation, although he will not be fit to face Rangers.

Captain Shaun Derry should keep his place in midfield despite a hernia injury which will eventually require surgery.